Saracens are the best bet of the weekend and can see off an Exeter side still battling to hit their straps.
Gloucester v Bristol – Round 10
The Cherry and Whites continued their rich vein of form with an impressive win last week when away to Wasps. They won the game 33-35 a score line that flattered the hosts who scored two tries late on to narrow the gap.
Meanwhile, Bristol’s stuttering season showed no signs of dissipating as they were completely outplayed by the visiting Saints, 20-36. Harry Randell has rung a several changes to that side, most notably club captain Stephen Luatua who returns to the side.
Gloucester also make a number of changes and look to be at full strength with a strong bench to assist as the match progresses.
Christophe Ridley is the referee and the weather forecast predicts some slight rain perhaps.
Betting Angle
An initial thought early in the week was of a Bristol call if the handicap was in the region of 4-6 points, however with Gloucester as low as minus 2.5 points I feel the right move is to stay with the home side. They have been playing the more consistent rugby whilst Bristol are battling to string consistent performances together. Rain could possibly make this game a little trickier than expected, so with in mind just an ease into the weekend is suggested by taking the outright market and a lessor price on a lessor handicap for medium stakes.
Patchy’s Pick: 2 Units Gloucester minus 1.5 points 15/20. 2 Units Gloucester Match Winner (DNB) at 5/8.
Exeter v Saracens – Round 10
The Chiefs were made to work harder than would have been expected in dispatching Bath last week at the Rec, they’ll need to be at their very best to stop Saracens, despite the latter also being a little off the pace last week. Despite leading 13-0 at the break, it took a red card shown early in the 2nd half to stop what seemed a likely Sale fight back.
Luke Pearce is in charge and the weather tells us it should be mild and no rain.
Betting Angle
The first of two mouth-watering fixtures featuring the top 4 sides to take place this weekend. Both sides as mentioned were a little poor last week by their standards but may well have had half an eye on this clash. Exeter have shown more weaknesses this season losing ground to both London Irish and Newcastle. This is a confident call and I’m steaming in with all guns blazing …. Saracens plus 1.5 points is my call and will throw in an outright call as well.
Patchy’s Pick: 5 Units Saracens plus 1.5 points @ 8/10. 2 Units Saracens Match Winner (DNB) @ Evens.
London Irish v Newcastle – Round 10
The Exiles have managed three draws and two away wins against quality opposition so far this season, but they remain winless at the Brentford Community Stadium. It’s quite a surprise to be honest and they’ll surely be eyeing this game up as a great opportunity to bag their maiden this season. They are bound to find things tough however as their opponents have shown themselves more than capable this season and their away form has managed two handy wins so far, against both Exeter and Bath.
The official for the match is Craig Maxwell-Keys and the weather is fine.
Betting Angle
Just the one match has been played between these two at the Brentford Community Stadium and that was in January this year. The Exiles were comfortable winners 31-22. This is a tricky match though and despite the hosts priced up as strong favourites I just don’t think they deserve that much respect on what they’ve shown overall and I can’t help but think they’ll make another right mess of a game they’re expected to win. Newcastle have shown enough so far to be more than a nuisance and the plus is the way to go.
Patchy’s Pick: 3 Units on Newcastle plus 6.5 points @ 17/20.
Northampton v Bath – Round 10
The Saints bounced back to their best after a fortnight of poor form when trouncing Bristol in their own turf last week and despite Bath playing a much more robust match against Exeter on Friday night it looks likely that Bath will remain winless this season for at least another week unless they’re able to play out of their socks.
Referee is Karl Dickson and the weather is deemed to be a little wet with a few shoers expected.
Betting Angle
Northampton are strong favourites and rightly so, currently double digits on the handicap but I feel this could potentially be an ambush in waiting for them. Bath are desperate for a win and are slowly looking like that win could be around the corner and with a little rain about it may help their causes a little further. It’s by no means a confident call as Saints are a quality side but I think an interest at these odds is fair.
Patchy’s Pick: 1.5 Units Bath plus 10.5 points @ 17/20
Worcester v Wasps – Round 10
The Warriors drew 24-24 in Newcastle last week and will be looking to build on that performance in what has been another poor start for them as we approach mid-way in the season. There have been a few changes in management behind the scenes but it may take a little while for the desired effects to filter down to the team. They host Wasps, who themselves haven’t had a great start to the season either and arrive here after an unconvincing loss to Gloucester. However they arrive with history on their side having won their last 4 from 5 visits to Sixways.
Referee is Tom Foley and the weather after a few early morning showers is dry.
Betting Angle
I think Wasps are the better side even with a number of players still unavailable for selection, that is bounced off though the pressure mounting within the Warriors camp for some more favourable results. This is a no bet but if pressed I would lean towards the visitors adding to the Warrior’s woes.
Patchy’s Pick: No bet at this stage, I’ll update on Twitter if something catches my eye.
Leicester v Harlequins – Round 10
The 2nd high quality fixtures takes place Sunday afternoon where the current log leaders and unbeaten side Leicester Tigers, host last season’s Champions the Harlequins. The hosts enjoyed a bye last week whilst Quins were shocked by the Exiles at the Stoop. The weather forecast indicates a crisp but dry afternoon and looking forward to this game live on the telly.
Betting Angle
Leicester have been a revelation this season and appear to have most aspects of their play covered, there is also a strong belief in the camp which has not been evident in a long time. It will be interesting to see how they return after the bye and whether they can keep their unbeaten run going.
The Quins meanwhile have been in a little inconsistent so far but would no doubt have felt the effects of the England call ups over the busy November Internationals. With Marcus Smith back in the side and the Tigers returning from a bye, I have my mind made up. I feel Quins will always be in the hunt with the handicap and as a result the plus 5.5 begs to be taken.
Patchy’s Pick: Harlequins plus 5.5 points at 17/20 for 3.5 Units.
Follow me on Twitter @BrenHBetsnet and have a great weekend.
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